|
Home
Adopt-A-Pet
History,
Events,
Donations and Volunteers
View Dogs
How to Find Us...
Phone Number, Map,
E-mail, Address
AAP Adoption
Conditions of Adoption,
Application Form
Why Adopt?
'Delightful Unpredictability', AAP Success Stories
What to Expect
Bringing Your New
Dog Home
Additional Resources
Interesting Sites/Articles, Recommended
Books, Training
More About Adopt-A-Pet
(History, Donations, Rummage Sale,
Volunteers)
Contact Us!
We'd
Love to Hear From You
|
|
|
Getting Home ... |
|
First Weeks to Early Months ... |
|
Four to Six Months ... |
What to Expect:
Bringing Your Adopt-A-Pet Dog Home
Getting Home . . . Your New Dog's First Days
‘Stuff’
Be prepared to spend from $50 to $250
in upfront costs. Collar, ID tag, leash, bowls, food (20 lbs.), toys, bed, etc.
For a medium sized dog (40 to 65 lbs.), altogether in one year, expect to spend
approximately $40/month on food and toys, or $600/year in total including annual physicals
and shots. If you travel, kennel or pet sitting costs run approximately
$100-$200/week. Surgery (sometimes necessary) can range from $100 to $1000+.Take
time off -- 48 hours at least, 1 week even better
This is important
bonding time when your new dog is feeling most stressed and vulnerable in its new
environment. Keep household activities to a minimum while your new dog adjusts.
Give your dog a place of
its own
A retreat. Create a safe haven for your new dog with a bed or
blanket tucked away in a corner of your home.
A good bath
Your dog will really shine after a good bath and rub down. Great for
bonding and contributes greatly to new dog huggability.
Lack of appetite
It is not uncommon for your new dog to lack an appetite for a period
of 1-2 days. After day 2, if your dog still has not eaten, see your vet.
Introduction to other
pets
Other Dog(s). Try introducing dogs in a neutral territory, a park, a parking
lot, etc. It will take a few weeks to months, depending on individual personalities,
for the dogs to work out a new pack order (establishing alpha, i.e. who's dominant). Be patient, it
may take 6 months for your 1st dog and your new dog to bond and truly enjoy each other's
company.
Watch your new dog learn from your first dog , its amazing. Having a second dog can be a
wonderful experience for both dogs and humans alike.
Cat(s). Two words sum up the best approach to
introducing your new dog to a family cat: slow and careful. Be sure you're
there to make the first introduction in person, and plan on supervising the subsequent
get-togethers for at least the first week. You'll need to show the dog that the
cat is important to you. Firmly ,
but
gently,
tell your dog "no" at the first signs of chasing or intimidating the cat.
Expect to reinforce this for at least a few weeks. Have separate feeding areas, preferably out of sight of each
other (some dogs just love cat food!). Oftentimes shelter dogs turn out to have
grown up with cats -- and your new dog may be one of them.
Marking the house
Not uncommon, especially for males.
Keep your eyes open. Take your dog outside frequently to relieve his/herself. Watch
for repeat offenses in the same spot. Try Nature's Miracle (in white bottle, red
lettering) from your pet store. If, in fact your new dog does mark the house, it is
likely only temporary. A great reason for the Leash Bonding method (see below). If the marking
behaviour persists for many days, it may be that your dog needs housebreaking (see next
page).
Running off
New dogs have not established loyalties or attachments to you or your home. This will take
weeks to months. It's best to keep your new dog on a lead or in a fenced yard when he/she is outside.
Try ‘Leash Bonding’
Also referred to as 'umbilical cording'
- leash bonding is a great way to start bonding and socialization. The real trick
during your new dog's first days will be to supervise your dog without overwhelming
him/her with excess attention. Just snap an end of a leash each one to your new dog,
and one to yourself. Let your new dog trail you around the house for a while.
By spending time in your presence and going where you go, your new dog will start learning
that you're its leader and friend. Also a very good way to monitor any undesirable
behaviors during those first
weeks.
Car Sickness
If your new dog gets carsick easily, try ginger pills or Dramamine (ok for larger dogs) to
settle its stomach. Over time, take your new dog for short car rides, with plenty of
fresh air. After 3 to 5 months of this, your dog should be acclimated to
increasingly longer rides.
Return to Top |
|
|
|
